Asia

Asia-Pacific

Computerworld Singapore staff | April 3, 2012

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Carbon reporting requirements in Asia-Pacific will increase due to several factors, such as increased regulatory requirements, growing awareness of climate change, and greater demand from investors and other stakeholders for disclosure of non-financial information, says Ovum.

In a new report the independent technology analyst firm explains the efforts undertaken by countries in the Asia-Pacific region to reduce CO2 emissions; the overall pace of the introduction of carbon regulation in the region; the market drivers that are increasing the need for carbon management; why IT-based sustainability management is becoming a business imperative; and what companies can do to optimize both business results and sustainability performance.

Governments in the Asia-Pacific region, under pressure to reduce air pollution, are implementing new rules and regulations to reduce and mitigate the effect of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Despite all these initiatives, China and India are still the biggest emitters of CO2 in the world.

Surupa Mahto, Ovum analyst and author of the report, said: “Increased infrastructure investment has helped China to sustain its economic growth during difficult times. However, this increase, along with rapid urbanization, will further increase the country's CO2 emissions.”

Ovum also notes that the implementation of number of carbon reduction measures is challenged mostly by lack of capital, lack of knowledge, lack of strong policy frameworks, and uncertainty about the market forces and government action on climate change.

Mahto commented: "Many attempts to develop strong carbon-reduction policies are facing tough opposition from the business community."

New policies and regulations to mitigate climate change by reducing carbon emissions are likely to become critical priorities on the environment and economic development...